PRAISE FROM MINISTER FOR WORK, MARGARET HODGE MP

Friday 28th April 2006

TBG Learning in Barking, which has helped hundreds of local unemployed people to increase their levels of education and qualifications and find employment, was praised today (28 April) by local MP and Minister for Work, Margaret Hodge. Success rates on TBG Learning's Entry to Employment programme, which turns around the lives of unemployed 16-18 year olds who left school without qualifications, are far above the national average.

TBG Learning is a not-for-profit training centre that has been involved in the community for 17 years. In the past twelve months its Entry to Employment programme has given training and individual support to 120 young people, 84% of which gained qualifications in areas such as literacy, numeracy and IT skills and 60% of which have successfully progressed onto Apprenticeships, Further Education courses or employment. Across the UK the average success rate for the Entry to Employment programme is 44%.

Margaret Hodge, who met young people on Entry to Employment on a guide of the Centre in Wakering Road, said:

"TBG Learning is clearly doing good work with young people to develop their skills and help them move forward. It's disappointing to see that some of their work has been cut and I shall be asking questions".

Cuts in contracts from local colleges has meant that TBG Learning has reduced the numbers of Skills for Life and basic skills courses it can run for unemployed adults, even though these are priority areas for the Government.

Margaret Hodge also met some of the thirty plus unemployed adults on the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programme, financed by the European Social Fund to help adults improve spoken and written English skills and boost prospects for employment, with help from TBG on job search.

TBG Learning's courses all lead to nationally accredited qualifications and the Centre's reputation has grown due the professional and friendly support it gives each individual.

Anyone can call in at the Centre in Monteagle Court, Wakering Road or telephone 02085071377 for further details